Backseat Drawing

About this board game

Backseat Drawing is a 2008 team drawing and guessing game for 4–10 players, with a play time of about 30 minutes. Two teams race to identify drawings created by members of their own team.

The twist is that the artists do not know what they are drawing. Instead, they can only follow the instructions given by another team member, turning every sketch into a test of communication, direction, and interpretation.

As one player provides directions, another attempts to translate those instructions into a drawing. The rest of the team works to identify the image, while the opposing team takes part in the race. Because the artist is working without knowing the intended subject, the results can be surprising and amusing.

• Players: 4–10
• Play time: 30 minutes
• Core challenge: Give and follow drawing instructions
• Team objective: Identify drawings made by your own team members

There is no time to stop and ask for directions, so the fun keeps moving as players try to follow instructions and recognize what is being drawn. The combination of racing teams, limited information, and unpredictable artwork makes Backseat Drawing a lively group experience.

Originally released in 2008, Backseat Drawing was later re-implemented by Backseat Drawing Junior. Its straightforward team format centers on the entertaining challenge of communicating an image without revealing it directly.